The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch ~ Read with Audra Book Tour, Review, and Giveaway

Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business--or will it turn into something more?

Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man's grieving fiance and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.

When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience.

Sophie is surprised to find she isn't opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed's elderly mother, and she's already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she'll stay behind to oversee his property and wards.

It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he's come to mean to her. Now she'll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love.

Click here to read an excerpt.

MY REVIEW 

 I have waited a while for the author to write a new book. She has surpassed my expectations with this wonderful story.  It is easy to fall in love with the characters because they are so well developed. Oh my did I enjoy reading about Charles. He is such a swoon worthy captain with integrity and a big heart. He takes his job seriously and is always looking out for his crew. A tragedy strikes which finds Charles having to deliver sad news to a woman who has been waiting for her fiancée to return. The moments Charles and Rich spent together as they lay in hospital cots was very emotional. Charles has made a promise to Rich that he now needs to honor. 

Sophie is a sweet woman and I loved that she was taking care of Rich’s mother with no hesitation. Their relationship is very special and I admire Sophie for stepping up and making sure that Rich’s mother  was well treated and met her needs. Her selflessness is very important as the story shows how she always puts others before herself. I did like how the story took an unexpected turn when a marriage of convenience is brought up. Sophie must have some misgivings as she is still mourning the passing of Rich. Her heart is hurt when she learns some unexpected details of Rich’s death. Will she be able to forgive? 

The story gives us a look at two people who come  together to fulfill a promise and the trials they face along the way. There are several surprises in the story that will take  readers on an emotional journey of forgiveness, joy, faith and trust. This is my favorite of the series. I think the author writes with great knowledge of this time period and helps readers visualize the land and people with a clear view. There are a few moments I cried as I so wanted things to work out. The book is everything I had hoped for and well worth the wait. 

I received a copy of this book from Read With Audra blogging program. The review is my own opinion. 

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate. 
 
Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
 
A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.
 
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).